It’s another incident on an already troubled career, and comments from Cardinals general manager Steve Keim indicate thatWashington, who was suspended for the first four games last season, is testing the patience of the franchise.

“It’s completely unacceptable that Daryl has once again put us in this position,” Keim said in a statement.

It sounds like the franchise — if it hasn’t already begun to explore possible replacements for Washington — will be doing so the rest of the year.

Aside from the previous substance abuse violation in 2013, Washington also pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated assault against his former girlfriend in March.

Washington, 27, is talented and athletic when he’s on the field. Following his 2013 suspension, he assumed his starter’s role and registered 75 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions.

It’s Washington’s 2012 Pro Bowl season, however, that indicates the type of impact he can have for the Cardinals: when he’s on the field, he’s one of the most dynamic playmakers for Arizona’s defense.

That’s a lot of money to have invested in a player who has been inconsistent in his commitment to stay on the field. The suspension stings even more for Arizona, who let linebacker Karlos Dansby walk during free agency and eventually sign with the Cleveland Browns.

Keim can say the team is taking the “next man up” approach, but there’s no doubt that aging veteran Larry Foote, coming off of a season-ending torn bicep sustained in the first game last year, isn’t as talented as Washington.

He was supposed to blossom into the young leader on the Cardinals defense this season, but Washington may have already played his last snap for the team. It all depends on whether the Cardinals front office feels he’s worth the possible risk.

As it is, he’s already violated the trust of the Cardinals.

“From a personal standpoint, our hope is that this suspension will give Daryl the opportunity to accept the necessary help and guidance to get his life back on track and we will certainly support him however we can,” Keim said.